Understanding Handicap Betting in Football: A Beginner’s Guide
What Is Handicap Betting in Football?
Handicap betting is a popular way to make football matches more interesting and balanced for bettors. In simple terms, a handicap is a virtual advantage or disadvantage given to a team before the match starts. This helps even out the odds when one team is much stronger than the other.
For example, if a top team is playing against a weaker team, the bookmaker might give the weaker team a “head start” in the form of goals. This makes betting on either team more appealing, as the outcome is not just about who wins, but also by how much.
Why Use Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is useful when:
– One team is a clear favorite, and the odds for them to win are very low.
– You want to increase your potential winnings by taking on more risk.
– You believe the underdog can perform better than expected, even if they don’t win.
Handicap betting can make matches more exciting and offer better value than traditional win-draw-win bets.
Main Types of Handicap Bets
There are several types of handicap bets in football. Let’s look at the most common ones.
1. Level Handicap (0)
What it means: No team is given an advantage. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.
Example:
– You bet on Team A with a 0 handicap against Team B.
– If Team A wins, you win your bet.
– If the match is a draw, you get your money back.
– If Team A loses, you lose your bet.
2. Single Handicap (-1, +1, etc.)
What it means: One team is given a virtual goal advantage or disadvantage.
Example:
– Team A (-1) vs Team B (+1)
– If you bet on Team A (-1), they must win by 2 or more goals for you to win.
– If they win by exactly 1 goal, the bet is a draw and your stake is refunded.
– If Team A draws or loses, you lose your bet.
On the other hand:
– If you bet on Team B (+1), you win if Team B wins or the match is a draw.
– If Team B loses by exactly 1 goal, your stake is refunded.
– If Team B loses by 2 or more goals, you lose your bet.
3. Split Handicap (Quarter Ball Handicap: -0.25, +0.75, etc.)
What it means: Your stake is split between two handicaps.
Example:
– Team A (-0.25) vs Team B (+0.25)
– If you bet on Team A (-0.25), half your stake is on Team A (0), and half is on Team A (-0.5).
– If Team A wins, you win both parts.
– If the match is a draw, you lose half your stake (the -0.5 part) and get half back (the 0 part).
– If Team A loses, you lose your whole bet.
This type of handicap is common in Asian Handicap betting.
Asian Handicap vs European Handicap
Handicap betting comes in two main forms: Asian Handicap and European Handicap.
Asian Handicap
– Removes the possibility of a draw, so there are only two outcomes: win or lose.
– Offers more options with quarter and half-goal handicaps (like -0.25, -0.5, +1.5, etc.).
– Stakes can be refunded in some cases (if the result matches the handicap exactly).
European Handicap
– Uses whole numbers only (like -1, +2).
– The draw is still an option, so you can bet on the handicap draw.
– No stake refunds; you either win or lose.
How to Read Handicap Bets on a Betting Site
When you visit a bookmaker’s website, you might see handicap bets displayed like this:
Example:
– Team A (-1.5) 1.90
– Team B (+1.5) 1.90
This means:
– If you bet on Team A (-1.5), they must win by 2 or more goals for you to win.
– If you bet on Team B (+1.5), you win if Team B wins, draws, or loses by only 1 goal.
The odds (1.90) show how much you can win for every unit you bet.
Practical Examples of Handicap Betting
Let’s look at a real-life scenario.
Match: Manchester United vs Norwich City
Manchester United is the favorite. The bookmaker offers:
– Manchester United (-2) at odds of 2.10
– Norwich City (+2) at odds of 1.80
If you bet on Manchester United (-2):
– Manchester United must win by 3 or more goals for you to win.
– If they win by exactly 2 goals, your stake is refunded.
– If they win by 1 goal, draw, or lose, you lose your bet.
If you bet on Norwich City (+2):
– You win if Norwich wins, draws, or loses by just 1 goal.
– If Norwich loses by exactly 2 goals, your stake is refunded.
– If Norwich loses by 3 or more goals, you lose your bet.
Tips for Betting with Handicaps
1. Study Team Form and Motivation
– Check recent results, injuries, and team news.
– Consider if the favorite is likely to win by a large margin or just do enough to get the result.
2. Understand the Handicap
– Make sure you know exactly what result you need for your bet to win or be refunded.
– Use the bookmaker’s help section or ask customer support if you’re unsure.
3. Compare Odds
– Different bookmakers may offer slightly different handicaps or odds.
– Shop around to get the best value for your bet.
4. Start Small
– If you’re new to handicap betting, start with small stakes until you’re comfortable.
5. Keep Records
– Track your bets and results to learn what works best for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring the Draw
– In European Handicap, the draw is still possible. Don’t forget to consider this outcome.
2. Overestimating Favorites
– Just because a team is strong doesn’t mean they will always cover a big handicap.
3. Not Checking Team News
– Missing players or a busy schedule can affect how well a team performs.
4. Betting Without Understanding
– Never place a handicap bet unless you fully understand what needs to happen for you to win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the match result equals the handicap?
– For whole number handicaps (like -1, +2), your stake is refunded (this is called a “push”).
– For half or quarter handicaps (like -1.5, +0.25), there is no push; you either win or lose, or sometimes win/lose half your stake.
Can I use handicap betting in live (in-play) betting?
– Yes! Many bookmakers offer live handicap betting, allowing you to bet as the match unfolds.
Is handicap betting only for football?
– No, handicap betting is popular in many sports, such as basketball, tennis, and rugby.
Conclusion: Should You Try Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is a great way to find value and excitement in football matches, especially when there’s a clear favorite. By understanding how handicaps work, reading the odds carefully, and doing your research, you can make smarter bets and enjoy the game even more.
Remember, always bet responsibly and never risk more than you can afford to lose. With practice and patience, handicap betting can become a useful tool in your football betting journey.